Low profile fluid quick connector

ABSTRACT

A fluid quick connector sealingly latches first and second components, one of which has a through bore and the other has a raised bead spaced from a tip end. A retainer is mountable through a transverse bore in one end of the first component and latched to the first component by projections carried on a pair of legs. A flange on the retainer is positioned to engage a surface of the first component to position the retainer on the first component. Inner disposed arms on the retainer engage a constant diameter portion of the second component and resist movement of the raised bead into or out of the bore in the housing when the retainer is in a fully latched position. The flange on the retainer is spaced from the legs of the retainer to enable the legs to be of minimal thickness for a reduced axial length for the retainer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO CO-PENDING APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/962,902, filed Oct. 11, 2004, which is a continuation ofU.S. Pat. No. 6,866,303, issued Mar. 15, 2005, the entire contents ofwhich is incorporated herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates, in general, to fluid quick connectorswhich couple male and female connector components.

Snap-fit or quick connectors are employed in a wide range ofapplications, particularly, for joining fluid carrying conduits inautomotive and industrial application. Such quick connectors utilizeretainers or locking elements for securing a male connector component,such as a tubular conduit, within a complimentary bore of a femaleconnector component or housing. Such retainers are typically of eitherthe axially-displaceable or radially-displaceable type. The terms“axially-displaceable” or “radially-displaceable” are taken relative tothe axial bore through the female component.

In a typical quick connector with an axially displaceable, retainer, theretainer is mounted within a bore in a housing of the female connectorcomponent of housing. The retainer has a plurality of radially andangularly extending legs which extend inwardly toward the axial centerline of the bore in the housing. A tube or male component to besealingly mounted in the bore in the female component includes aradially upset portion or flange which abuts an inner peripheral surfaceof the retainer legs. Seal and spacer members as well as a bearing ortop hat are typically mounted in the bore ahead of the retainer to forma seal between the housing and the male fitting when the male fitting islockingly engaged with the retainer legs in the housing.

Radially displaceable retainers are also known in which the retainer isradially displaceable through aligned bores or apertures formedtransversely to the main throughbore in the female component housing.Examples of radially displaceable retainers are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,542,716, 5,730,481, 5,782,502, 5,863,077 and 5,951,063. The radiallydisplaceable retainer is typically provided with a pair of dependinglegs which are sized and positioned to slip behind the radially upsetportion or flange on the male conduit only when the male connector orconduit is fully seated in the bore in the female component. Thisensures a positive locking engagement of the conduit with the femalecomponent as well as providing an indication that the conduit is fullyseated since the radially displaceable retainer can be fully insertedinto the female component only when the conduit has been fully insertedinto the bore in the female component.

Regardless of the type of retainer, the female housing or componentportion of a fluid connector typically includes an elongated stem havingone or more annular barbs spaced from a first end. The barbs providesecure engagement with a hose or conduit which is forced over the barbsto connect the female housing with one end of the conduit.

With transverse mounted, radially displaceable retainers as well asaxially mounted retainers, the distance between the axially outer end ofthe tube bead or flange and the opposite end of the connector housing,in an installed position, is a concern. Typically, the length of theretainer must be long enough to insure a fully inserted position of thetubular member in the housing when the retainer is in the latchedposition. Further, the length of the retainer must be such to avoidlatching of the tubular member in the housing axially ahead of the tubebead.

These features have not been able to be provided in a short length quickconnect suitable usable in applications having limited space.

Thus, it would be desirable to provide a low profile fluid quickconnector having a reduced axial length which maintains all of the fullinsertion, high pull-out force resistance features of quick connectorshaving transversely mounted, radially displaceable retainers.

SUMMARY

The present invention is a low profile fluid quick connector which has areduced axial length as compared to previously devised fluid quickconnectors while still maintaining all of the required quick connectorfeatures of full insertion capability and high pull-out forceresistance.

The fluid quick connector of the invention is useable with an endformhaving a radially enlarged flange spaced from a tip end. The quickconnector includes a housing having a through bore extending betweenfirst and second ends and a transverse bore intersecting the throughbore adjacent the first end of the housing. A retainer has first andsecond spaced legs extending from a central wall, which first and secondlegs are mountable through the transverse bore in the housing.

Lock members carried on the first and second legs are slidinglyengagable with the housing when the retainer in mounted in the housing.The lock members are engagable with two distinct portions of the housingto define a temporary, shipping position allowing full insertion of theendform into the bore in the housing and a fully latched positionlocking the endform in a sealed condition in the housing.

First and second arms are formed on the body interiorly of the first andsecond legs. The first and second arms are spaced apart a distance lessthan an outer diameter of the annular flange on the end form to blockthe flange on the endform from separating from the housing.

In one aspect of the invention, at least one flange is carried on theretainer and slidingly engagable with the housing when the retainer iscoupled to the housing. The at least one flange, which in another aspectof the invention is two laterally spaced flanges, is engagable with anexterior surface of the housing to position the first and second arms onthe retainer in an axial position with respect to the housing to preventcontact between a seal member mounted within the bore in the housing anda tip end of the endform in the event that the retainer is in the fullylatched position prior to insertion of the endform into the bore in thehousing. This non-seal insertion blocking feature is provided with aminimal axial overall length of the retainer which reduces the overalllength of the housing to facilitate use of the present connector inrestricted space applications.

In one aspect, the at least one flange or pair of flanges is formed onan end portion of the retainer and is engagable with an exterior surfaceat the first end of the housing.

In another aspect, the at least one flange or pair of flanges is carriedon the retainer to engage lateral grooves in the exterior of the housingspaced from the first end of the housing.

In another aspect, the present invention is a fluid quick connectorformed of a housing and retainer as defined above which is adapted forsealingly and lockingly receiving a tubular endform.

The fluid quick connector of the present invention provides all of therequirements of a fluid quick connector in so far as providing fullinsertion capability of an endform into the bore in the housing of thequick connector while preventing contact between the endform and theseals mounted within the bore in the housing if the retainer in thefully latched position in the housing prior to insertion of the endforminto the bore in the housing. This prevents a false seal indication forthe quick connect. At the same time, the fluid quick connector of thepresent invention has a reduced axial length thereby facilitating itsuse in applications having restricted space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The various features, advantages and other uses of the present inventionwill become more apparent by referring to the following detaileddescription and drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a partially exploded, perspective view of one aspect of aquick connector according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the retainer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of one end of the retainer shown in FIG.2;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the opposite end of the retainer shownin FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a bottom elevational view of the housing of the quickconnector shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an end elevational view of the housing shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view generally taken along line 7-7 in FIG.6;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the quick connector depicted inFIG. 1 with the retainer shown in the shipping position and the tubedisposed in a non-fully inserted, non-latched position;

FIG. 9 is a plan elevational view of the quick connector shown in FIG.8;

FIG. 10 is a generally cross-sectional view, taken along line 10-10 inFIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 10 ofthe quick connector, but with the tube endform and the retainer,depicted in the fully latched position;

FIG. 12 is a partially exploded, perspective view of another aspect of aquick connector according to the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the one end of a retainer shown in FIG.12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the opposite end of the retainer shownin FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a bottom elevational view of the housing of the quickconnector shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is an end elevational view of the housing shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view generally taken along line 17-17 inFIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of the quick connector depicted inFIG. 1 with the retainer shown in the shipping position and the tubedisposed in a non-fully inserted, non-latched position;

FIG. 19 is a plan elevational view of the quick connector shown in FIG.18;

FIG. 20 is a cross-section view generally taken along line 20-20 in FIG.19; and

FIG. 21 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 20, butwith the tube endform and the retainer depicted in the fully latchedposition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-11 of the drawing, there is depicted a fluid quickconnector 10 suitable for interconnecting two fluid operative elements,such as conduits, tubes, as well as endforms carried on fluid operativedevices, such as pumps, fuel filters, valves, valve manifolds, etc.

Thus, the quick connector 10 of the present invention, in the followingexample, will be incorporated in a first component 12 and a secondcomponent 14 which are sealingly joinable and held in a sealed, lockedposition by a retainer means 16. Each of the first and second components12 and 14, as described above, may be formed as the end portion orendform of a fluid operative device, such as a conduit, pump, fuelfilter, etc., or as separate elements each of which receives and isfluidically coupled to a fluid operative device, such as a conduit bymeans of conduit retention barbs, etc.

The particular shape of the endform of the first and second components12 and 14 can be integrally formed on the end of an elongated metal orplastic tube or on a stem extending outward from a fluid use device.

The first component 12 includes a housing 20 having an elongated,axially extending, internal stepped bore 22, shown in detail in FIG. 10,extending from a large diameter first, open end 24 to a smallerdiameter, second open end 26. The stepped bore 22 includes a first boreportion 21 extending from an opening at the first end 24 of the housing20 to a second smaller diameter second stepped bore portion 23. A thirdyet smaller diameter stepped bore portion 25 extends axially from oneend of the second stepped bore portion 23 and communicates to a stillsmaller fourth stepped bore portion 27 which extends to the open secondend 26 of the housing 20.

As is conventional, a top hat or bearing 34 is mounted in the secondstepped bore portion 23 immediately adjacent the end of the first boreportion 21. A seal means 30 is also mounted in the second stepped boreportion 23 between one end of the top hat 34 and the third stepped boreportion 25. The seal means 30 may include one or more O-ring seals 31spaced by a spacer member 33.

The inner diameter of the first stepped bore portion 21 is sized toslidably receive the outer diameter of the radially enlarged flange orupset bead 18 formed on the male component or fitting 14. Further, theinner diameters of the seal members 31 and 33 and the top hat 34 aresized to sealingly engage the outer diameter of an end portion 11 of themale component 14 extending from a radially enlarged flange 18 to a tipend 13 of the male component 14. The third stepped bore portion 25 hasan inner diameter sized to snugly engage the outer diameter of the endportion 11 of the male component 14 when the male component 14 is fullyinserted into the stepped bore 22 as described hereafter shown in FIG.11.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5-7, the housing 20 has an enlarged end portionadjacent the first end 24. The enlarged end portion denoted by referencenumber 60 is enlarged at least in the lateral direction from the outerdiameter of the housing 20 surrounding the second bore portion 23. Theenlarged end portion 60 is defined by first and second opposed, longerlength, major sides 62 and 64 and opposed, intermediate sides 66 and 68,all of which are depicted as having a planar shape, which will beunderstood to be by example only.

An intermediate aperture, generally in the form of a slot 70 is formedin the enlarged end portion 60 extending inward from the side 62 intothe first open end 24 of the housing 20. The opposed edge of theaperture in the first end 24 is closed by the side 64.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the intermediate sides 66 and 68 projectlaterally outward from the outer diameter of the adjacent portion of thehousing 20. A pair of opposed, internal slots 72 and 74 project throughthe enlarged end portion 60 to open ends 76 and 78, respectively, in theside 64 as shown in FIG. 5.

A retainer means 16 is by way of example only, depicted as aradially-displaceable retainer having side locking projections. Theretainer 16 is preferably formed of a one-piece body of a suitableplastic, such as polyketone, for example. The retainer 16 has an endwall 80 which is characterized by a planar shape, again only by example.First and second side legs 82 and 84 project from the end wall 80 fromopposite ends of the end wall 80. A hook-shaped latch projection 86 and88 is formed adjacent the end of each of the side legs 82 and 84 forlatching the retainer 16 to the housing 20 as described hereafter.

As shown in FIG. 6, a pair of axially extending notches 90 and 92 areformed in the enlarged end portion 60 of the housing 20 and extendaxially inward from communication with the open first end 24 of the bore22 substantially through the entire depth of the enlarged end portion60. The notches 90 and 92 have a receiver end 94 and 96, respectively,formed therein which is complimentary to the shape of the hook-likeprojections 86 and 88 on the side legs 82 and 84 of the retainer 16. Thehook projections 86 and 88 and the notches 90 and 92 cooperate to definea temporary, storage or shipping position for the retainer 16 in thehousing 20 as shown in FIGS. 1, 8, 9 and 10. In this position, theretainer 16 is firmly attached to the housing 20 for shipping andstorage prior to use. At the same time, the second component 14 may beinserted through the open first end 24 of the housing 20 into a fullyinserted, sealed position in the stepped bore 22 in the housing 20 asshown in FIGS. 1 and 11.

If the retainer 16 is further inserted from the temporary shippingposition shown in FIG. 1 to a fully inserted position shown in FIG. 10,prior to full insertion of the second component 14 into the bore 22, aradial flange engaging means 100 carried on the retainer 16 willintersect the enlarged bead 18 on the second component 14 and preventfull insertion of the second component 14 into the housing 20.

The radial flange engaging means 100 is defined by a pair of dependingarms 102 and 104 which are spaced generally in parallel and extend fromthe end wall 80 of the retainer 16. Each arm 102 and 104 has an enlargedend 106 and 108 which is adapted to engage the generally constantdiameter of the end portion 11 of the second component 14 and be urgedradially outward enabling the arms 102 and 104 to slide around and thensnap back into registry with the outer diameter of the tubular end 11 ofthe second component 14. An inner edge 110 between the arms 102 and 104defines a generally circular cross section having an inner diametercomplimentary to the outer diameter of the tubular end 11 of the secondcomponent 14. It should be noted that the diameter of the inner edge 110is smaller than the outer diameter of the raised bead or flange on thesecond component 14. In this manner, the arms 102 and 104 define abarrier to entry of the raised bead 18 of the second component 14 intothe open end 24 of the housing 20, if the retainer 16 is inserted to thefully latched position shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 prior to fullinsertion of the second component 14 into the bore 22 in the housing 20.

On the other hand, if the retainer 16 is separate from the housing 20 orin the shipping position shown in FIG. 1, the raised bead 18 on thesecond component 14 can be inserted through the open end 24 of the bore22 in the housing 20 to the fully inserted, sealed position shown inFIG. 11. In this position, full insertion of the latch 16 into thehousing 20 will enable the hook projections 86 and 88 to slide throughthe openings 72 and 74 in the enlarged end portion 60 of the housing 20and through the open ends 76 and 78 to hook around the surroundingportions of the side 64 of the enlarged end portion 60 to lock theretainer 16 in the fully latched position shown in FIG. 11.

The retainer 16 is further maintained in a fixed position on the housing20 in either the shipping position shown in FIG. 1 or the fully latchedposition shown in either of FIGS. 10 or 11 by means of a pair of sideflanges or wings 120 and 122 which have a narrow thickness andprojection or extent from one edge of the wall 80 of the retainer 16 asshown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The side wings 120 and 122 are axially spacedfrom the side legs 82 and 84 on the retainer 16 by a short distancesufficient to enable the side wings 120 and 122 to be disposedexteriorly of the outer surface of the enlarged end portion 60 as shownin FIG. 1

Referring to FIGS. 12-21 there is depicted another aspect of a fluidquick connector 210 suitable for interconnecting two fluid operativeelements, such as conduits, tubes, as well as endforms carried on fluidoperative devices, such as pumps, fuel filters, valves, valve manifolds,etc.

The quick connector 210 of this aspect, in the following example, willbe incorporated in a first component 212 and a second component 214which are sealingly joinable and held in a sealed, locked position by aretainer means 216. Each of the first and second components 212 and 214,as described above, may be formed as the end portion or endform of afluid operative device, such as a conduit, pump, fuel filter, etc., oras separate elements each of which receives and is fluidically coupledto a fluid operative device, such as a conduit by means of conduitretention barbs, etc.

The particular shape of the endform of the first and second components212 and 214 can be integrally formed on the end of an elongated metal orplastic tube or on a stem extending outward from a fluid use device.

The first component 212 includes a housing 220 having an elongated,axially extending, internal stepped bore 222, shown in detail in FIGS.20 and 21, extending from a large diameter first, open end 224 to asmaller diameter, second open end 226. The stepped bore 222 includes afirst bore portion 221 extending from an opening at the first end 224 ofthe housing 220 to a second smaller diameter second stepped bore portion223. A third yet smaller diameter stepped bore portion 225 extendsaxially from one end of the second stepped bore portion 223 andcommunicates to a still smaller fourth stepped bore portion 227 whichextends to the open second end 226 of the housing 220.

As is conventional, a top hat or bearing 234 is mounted in the secondstepped bore portion 223 immediately adjacent the end of the first boreportion 221. A seal means 230 is also mounted in the second stepped boreportion 223 between one end of the top hat 234 and the third steppedbore portion 225. The seal means 230 may include one or more O-ringseals 231 spaced by a spacer member 233.

The inner diameter of the first stepped bore portion 221 is sized toslidably receive the outer diameter of the radially enlarged flange orupset bead 218 formed on the male component or fitting 214. Further, theinner diameters of the seal members 231 and 233 and the top hat 234 aresized to sealingly engage the outer diameter of an end portion 211 ofthe male component 214 extending from a radially enlarged flange 218 toa tip end 213 of the male component 214. The third stepped bore portion225 has an inner diameter sized to snugly engage the outer diameter ofthe end portion 211 of the male component 214 when the male component214 is fully inserted into the stepped bore 222 as described hereaftershown in FIG. 21.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 15-17, the housing 220 has an end portion 260adjacent the first end 224. The end portion may be enlarged at least inthe lateral direction from the outer diameter of the housing 220surrounding the second bore portion 223. The end portion 260 is definedby first and second opposed, longer length, major sides 262 and 264 andopposed, intermediate sides 266 and 268, all of which are depicted ashaving a planar shape, which will be understood to be by example only.

An intermediate aperture, generally in the form of a slot 270, is formedin the end portion 260 extending inward from the side 262 into the firstopen end 224 of the housing 220. The opposed edge of the aperture 270 inthe first end 224 is closed by the side 264.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the intermediate sides 266 and 268 projectlaterally outward from the outer diameter of the adjacent portion of thehousing 220. A pair of opposed, internal slots 272 and 274 projectthrough the end portion 260 to open ends 276 and 278, respectively, inthe side 264 as shown in FIG. 15.

As shown in FIGS. 12, 15 and 17-21, the housing 220 has a pair of side,opposed recesses or grooves formed between one end of the end portion260 of the housing 220 and a flange 279 projecting radially outward fromthe housing 220 and axially spaced from one end of the enlarged endportion 260.

A retainer means 216, hereafter retainer 216, is by way of example only,depicted as a radially-displaceable retainer having side lockingprojections. The retainer 216 is preferably formed of a one-piece bodyof a suitable plastic, such as polyketone, for example. The retainer 216has an end wall 280 which is characterized by an arcuate shape, againonly by example. First and second side legs 282 and 284 project from theend wall 280 from opposite ends of the end wall 280. A hook-shaped latchprojection 286 and 288 is formed adjacent the end of each of the sidelegs 282 and 284 for latching the retainer 216 to the housing 220 asdescribed hereafter.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 16 a pair of axially extending notches 290 and292 are formed in the end portion 260 of the housing 220 and extendaxially inward from communication with the open first end 224 of thebore 222 substantially through the entire depth of the enlarged endportion 260. The notches 290 and 292 have a receiver end 294 and 296,respectively, formed therein which is complimentary to the shape of thehook-like projections 286 and 288 on the side legs 282 and 284 of theretainer 216. The hook projections 286 and 288 and the notches 290 and292 cooperate to define a temporary, storage or shipping position forthe retainer 216 in the housing 220 as shown in FIGS. 12 and 18. In thisposition, the retainer 216 is firmly attached to the housing 220 forshipping and storage prior to use. At the same time, the secondcomponent 214 may be inserted through the open first end 224 of thehousing 220 into a fully inserted, sealed position in the stepped bore222 in the housing 220 as shown in FIG. 21.

If the retainer 216 is further axially inserted from the temporaryshipping position shown in FIG. 12 to a fully inserted position shown inFIG. 20, prior to full insertion of the second component 214 into thebore 222, a radial flange engaging means 300 carried on the retainer 216will intersect the enlarged bead or flange 218 on the second component214 and prevent full insertion of the second component 214 into thehousing 220.

The radial flange engaging means 300 is defined by a pair of dependingarms 302 and 304 which are spaced generally in parallel and extend fromthe end wall 280 of the retainer 216. Each arm 302 and 304 has anenlarged end 306 and 308 which is adapted to engage the generallyconstant diameter of the end portion 211 of the second component 214 andbe urged radially outward enabling the arms 302 and 304 to slide aroundand then snap back into registry with the outer diameter of the tubularend 211 of the second component 214. An inner edge 310 between the arms302 and 304 defines a generally circular cross section having an innerdiameter complimentary to the outer diameter of the tubular end 211 ofthe second component 214. It should be noted that the diameter of theinner edge 310 is smaller than the outer diameter of the raised bead orflange 218 on the second component 214. In this manner, the arms 306 and308 define a barrier to entry of the raised bead 218 of the secondcomponent 214 into the open end 224 of the housing 220, if the retainer216 is inserted to the fully latched position shown in FIG. 20 prior tofull insertion of the second component 214 into the bore 222 in thehousing 220.

On the other hand, if the retainer 216 is separate from the housing 220or in the shipping position shown in FIG. 1, the raised bead 218 on thesecond component 214 can be inserted through the open end 224 of thebore 222 in the housing 220 to the fully inserted, sealed position shownin FIG. 21. In this position, full insertion of the latch 216 into thehousing 220 will enable the hook projections 286 and 288 to slidethrough the openings 272 and 274 in the enlarged end portion 260 of thehousing 220 and through the open ends 276 and 278 to hook around thesurrounding portions of the side 264 of the enlarged end portion 260 tolock the retainer 216 in the fully latched position shown in FIG. 21.

The retainer 16 is further axially maintained in a position on thehousing 220 in either the shipping position shown in FIG. 12 or thefully latched position shown in either of FIGS. 20 or 21 by means of atleast one and possibly a pair of flanges 320 and 322 which project orextend from one end of the end wall 280 of the retainer 216 as shown inFIGS. 12, 13 and 14. The flanges 320 and 322 are axially spaced from theside legs 282 and 284 on the retainer 216 to enable the flanges 320 and322 to engage a shoulder 323 in grooves or recesses 275 and 277 on thehousing 220 between the flange 279 and the enlarged end portion 260 ineither of the shipping position shown in FIGS. 12 and 18 and the fullylatched position.

In summary, there has been disclosed a fluid quick connector which has areduced axial length thereby enabling the use of a fluid quick connectorin applications having confined or limited access space.

1. A fluid quick connector comprising: an endform having at least oneenlarged flange spaced from a tip end; a housing having a through boreextending from a first end and a transverse bore intersecting thethrough bore; seal means mounted in the through bore for sealingengagement between an inner surface of the through bore and the tip endof the endform; a retainer having first and second spaced legs extendingfrom a wall, the first and second legs engagable with the housing in alatch position to releasably latch the retainer to the housing; firstand second arms formed on the retainer, the first and second arms spacedapart a distance less than an outer diameter of the flange on theendform; and a portion of the retainer spaced from the first and secondlegs in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the housing andengagable with the housing, when the retainer is coupled to the housing,for positioning the first and second arms to prevent sealing engagementbetween the seal and the tip end of the endform when the retainer is inthe latched position in the housing prior to full insertion of theendform into the through bore.
 2. The quick connector of claim 1wherein: the first end of the housing defines an aperture for receivingends of the first and second arms of the retainer therethrough into thelatched position latching the endform to the housing.
 3. The quickconnector of claim 1 wherein the housing further comprises: a surface onthe first end of the housing having opposed sides projecting outwardlyfrom the housing; and an aperture in the surface receiving the first andsecond arms.
 4. The quick connector of claim 3 wherein: the aperture inthe surface on the first end of the housing opens to the transverse borein the housing.
 5. The quick connector of claim 1 wherein: the first andsecond arms extend substantially axially between the flange means andthe first and second legs.
 6. The quick connector of claim 1 furthercomprising: means, carried on the first and second legs of the retainerand in the housing, for latching the retainer in a partially insertedposition in the transverse bore in the housing, the retainer, when inthe partially inserted position, allowing full insertion of the endforminto the through bore in the housing.
 7. The quick connector of claim 1wherein the portion of the retainer comprises: two flanges carried onthe retainer.
 8. The quick connector of claim 7 further comprising: ashoulder carried externally on the housing, the two flanges engagablewith the shoulder.
 9. The quick connector of claim 8 wherein: theshoulder is defined by opposed grooves in the exterior of the housing;and the flange means being two flanges.
 10. The fluid quick connector ofclaim 1 further comprising: an open portion of the transverse boreopening through the first end of the housing; the first and second armsdisposed in the open portion of the transverse bore.
 11. The fluid quickconnector of claim 20 wherein: the flange means engages the first end ofthe housing.
 12. A fluid quick connector adapted for sealingly receivingan endform having at least one enlarged flange spaced from a tip end,the fluid quick connector comprising: a housing having a through boreextending from a first end and a transverse bore intersecting thethrough bore; seal means, mounted in the through bore, for sealingengagement between an inner surface of the through bore and the tip endof the endform; a retainer having first and second spaced legs extendingfrom a wall, the first and second legs engagable with the housing in alatch position to releasably latch the retainer to the housing; firstand second arms formed on the retainer interiorly of the first andsecond legs, the first and second arms spaced apart a distance less thanan outer diameter of the flange on the endform; and flange means,carried on the retainer spaced from the first and second legs in adirection along the longitudinal axis of the housing and engageable withan exterior surface of the housing when the retainer is coupled to thehousing for positioning the first and second arms to prevent sealingengagement between the seal means and the tip end of the endform whenthe retainer is latched to the housing prior to insertion of the endforminto the through bore.
 13. The quick connector of claim 12 wherein: thefirst end of the housing defines an aperture for receiving ends of thefirst and second arms of the retainer therethrough into the latchedposition latching the endform to the housing.
 14. The quick connector ofclaim 12 wherein: the first and second arms extend substantially axiallybetween the flange means and the first and second legs.
 15. The quickconnector of claim 14 wherein: the aperture in the surface on the firstend of the housing opens to the transverse bore in the housing.
 16. Thequick connector of claim 15 wherein the housing further comprises: asurface on the first end of the housing having opposed sides projectingoutwardly from the housing; and an aperture in the surface receiving thefirst and second arms.
 17. The fluid quick connector of claim 12wherein: the flange means engages the first end of the housing.
 18. Thequick connector of claim 12 further comprising: means, carried on thefirst and second legs of the retainer and in the housing, for latchingthe retainer in a partially inserted position in the transverse bore inthe housing, the retainer, when in the partially inserted position,allowing full insertion of the endform into the through bore in thehousing.
 19. The quick connector of claim 12 wherein the portion of theretainer comprises: two flanges carried on the retainer.
 20. The quickconnector of claim 12 further comprising: a shoulder carried externallyon the housing, the portion of the retainer engagable with the shoulder;and the flange means being two flanges.
 21. The quick connector of claim20 wherein: the shoulder defined by opposed grooves in the exterior ofthe housings; and the flange means being two flanges.
 22. The quickconnector of claim 21 wherein the seal means comprises: at least oneseal mounted in the through bore in the housing for sealing engagementwith a tip end of an endform.
 23. The fluid quick connector of claim 12further comprising: an open portion of the transverse bore openingthrough the first end of the housing; the first and second arms disposedin the open portion of the transverse bore.